Buy or DIY: Fall 2014 Edition
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Buy: Marc by Marc Jacobs Patched Boyfriend Jeans
Sure to be all the rage this fall, these moto-punk hybrid jeans are really cool.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Annie Boyfriend Jeans, $398 at Shopbop.
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DIY: Your Own Patched Jeans
To get this cool and punky look, doing it yourself is super easy. Simply grab some nicely-priced denim and find the iron-on patches that speak to you.
Farleigh High Waist Slim Mom Jeans, $72.36 at ASOS.
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Bite Me Embroidered Patch, $3.02
Hand Grenade Embroidered Patch, $3.89
Smiley Face Patch, $3.05
(All available at Rebels Market.)Total: $82.32
Potential Savings: $315.68
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Buy: Band of Outsiders Sweater
This sweater is so killer, but we have a better idea...
Band of Outsiders Embroidered Eyelash Crewneck Sweater, $375 at Les Nouvelles.
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DIY: Drawn Sweater
Use a steady hand and white puff paint to mimic the winky eyelash graphic.
Long-Sleeved Jersey Top, $12.95 at H&M.
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Tulip Dimensional Fabric Paint in Slick White, $6.68 at Amazon.
Total: $19.63
Potential Savings: $355.37
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Buy: Aurélie Bidermann Wrapped Hoops
These inventive hoops have "DIY me" written all over them.
Aurélie Bidermann Soho Gold-Plated Hoop Earrings, $310 at Net-a-Porter.
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DIY: Your Own Wrapped Hoops
Use a dab of glue and your favorite color of embroidery floss to wrap some hoops that need new life.
Mini Gold Knife Edge Oval Hoop Earrings, $6.50 at Claire's.
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DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Floss in Very Dark Baby Blue, $0.44 at Herrschners.
Total: $6.94
Potential Savings: $303.06
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Buy: Carven Sweatshirt
A cool logo sweat is a must-have, but it comes at a price.
Carven Cropped Sweatshirt, $250 at Shopbop.
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DIY: Iron-On Sweatshirt
Instead DIY your own message onto a cheap crewneck.
Melange Sweatshirt, $24.95 at H&M.
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Dritz Iron-On Letters Athletic, $4.79 at Joann.
Total: $29.74
Potential Savings: $220.26
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Buy: Eddie Borgo Tassel Necklace
Tassels are really cool, and fine silk makes for an elegant necklace.
Eddie Borgo Small Silk Tassel Pendant Necklace, $160 at Shopbop.
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DIY: Tassel Necklace
But these chunky, suede, ready-made tassels are great, too, and ripe for stringing onto your chain of choice.
Fuchsia and Pink Suede Tassel Pendants, $1.79 at Joann.
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Shiny Silver Dainty Chain, $2.39 at Joann.
Total: $4.18
Potential Savings: $155.82
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Buy: Kotur Perspex Clutch
This is our pick for an elegant night out.
Kotur Fitzgerald Dragon-Embellished Perspex Clutch, $795 at Net-a-Porter.
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DIY: Embellished Clutch
But we'd prefer to personalize it. Just grab this nicely-priced clutch and your stickers/decals of choice, and go to town.
Style London Perspex Clutch Bag, $34.28 at ASOS.
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Martha Stewart Crafts Stickers, Golden Butterflies, $4.43 at Martha Stewart.
Total: $38.71
Potential Savings: $756.29
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Buy: Mary Katrantzou Dress
We LOVE Mary Katrantzou's new minimal direction, and based on the stock quantities of this dress, so does everyone else.
Mary Katrantzou Copelia Embellished Wool Mini Dress, $2,875 at Net-a-Porter.
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DIY: Embellished Dress
Instead, grab a frock in a similar silhouette along with some flat-backed rhinestones and glue. Go crazy or add just a bit — the choice is yours.
Take Turns Dress, $88 at Nasty Gal.
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Gem-Tac Permanent Adhesive, $14.99 at Artbeads.com.
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Swarovski 2826 5mm Rivoli Snowflake Flatback Crystal AB, $0.58 each at Artbeads.com.
Total: $114.59
Potential Savings: $2,760.41
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Buy: Stella McCartney Jeans
These jeans are rad and surprisingly versatile, but not cheap.
Stella McCartney Star Skinny Boyfriend Jeans, $465 at Shopbop.
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DIY: Sharpie Jeans
For a quick fix, mix denim and permanent marker for embellished jeans that won't disappoint.
Mid Rise Distressed Skinny Jeans, $24.80 at Forever 21.
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FabricMate Chisel Tip Fabric Marker in Black, $5.36 at Amazon.
Total: $30.16
Potential Savings: $434.84
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Buy: Saint Laurent Booties
Studs somehow manage to make booties even cooler than they already are.
Saint Laurent Lulu Studded Desert Leather Boots, $1,195 at Forward by Elyse Walker.
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DIY: Studded Boots
Mimic the look with push-through studs (no glue needed!) and a shoe silhouette you like.
Lace-Up Ankle Boots, $34.95 at H&M.
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Silver Standard English77 Cone Stud Bag of 100, $3.97 at Etsy.
Total: $38.92
Potential Savings: $1,156.08
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Buy: Sophie Hulme Keychain
We would be honored to carry this little critter around, but it's a little out of our key chain budget.
Sophie Hulme Textured-Leather Keychain, $175 at Net-a-Porter.
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DIY: Googly-Eyed Pouch
Get the googly look with craft eyes and a basic leather pouch.
Creatology Wiggle Eyes, Assorted, $2.99 at Michaels.
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Faux Leather Zipper Pouch, $12 at Etsy.
Total: $14.99
Potential Savings: $160.01
